Resveratrol is the best known polyphenolic stilbenenoid, present in grapes, blackberries, peanuts, rhubarb and various other plants. Resveratrol may play a beneficial role in preventing and progressing chronic inflammation-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration and cancer, among other conditions. In addition, it acts on immunity interfering with the regulation of immune cells, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and gene expression. Learn more here about resveratrol in immunity.
Resveratrol in immunity
Studies show that resveratrol modulates many cellular and molecular mediators of the inflammatory response. Its effects are context-dependent (i.e., resveratrol can influence chemokines and cytokines in opposite ways in different tissues). This bioactive compound inhibits the proliferation of spleen cells induced by concanavalinA (ConA), interleukin-2 (IL-2) or alloantigens, and more efficiently prevents the production of IL-2 and interferon-gamma (IFNγ) by lymphocytes and the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) or IL-12 by macrophages. When interacting with various molecular targets, resveratrol regulates adaptive immunity.
Resveratrol modulates immune function in a dose-dependent manner, at low doses it stimulates the immune system, while at high doses it induces immunosuppression. Its effect as an immunomodulator has been demonstrated in several animal models. In rodents, resveratrol reduces inflammatory responses, reverses immunosenescence in elderly rats, and improves immune activity against cancer cells. Regarding the immune system, it was found that resveratrol participates in the activation of macrophages, T cells and natural killer cells (NK) and is involved in the suppressive functions of regulatory T cells.
In addition, its effects are the result of its ability to remove reactive oxygen species (ROS), to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX), and to activate many anti-inflammatory pathways, including, but not limited to, Sirturin-1 (Sirt1). Sirt1 interrupts the TLR4/NF-κB/STAT signal, which in turn decreases the production of inactivated immune cell cytokines, or pro-inflammatory factors derived from macrophages/mast cells, such as platelet activating factor (PAF), TNF-α and histamine.
For its benefits to human health and for presenting promising properties in immune disorders, it is increasingly proposed as a dietary supplement for human consumption. However, pharmacokinetic analysis reveals that resveratrol undergoes rapid metabolism in the body. Its bioavailability after oral administration is very low, although absorption reaches 70%, this affects the physiological significance of the concentrations used in in vitro studies.
Clinical practice
Resveratrol may suppress expression of the toll-like receptor (TLR) and pro-inflammatory genes. The antioxidant activity of resveratrol and the ability to inhibit enzymes involved in the production of eicosanoids contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties. The effects of this biologically active compound on the immune system are associated with widespread health benefits for different chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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Article: Resveratrol and immune system
– Malaguarnera L. Influence of Resveratrol on the Immune Response. Nutrients
. 2019;11(5):946. Published 2019 Apr 26. Doi:10.3390/nu11050946
